At Richardson Early Learning Center in Kansas City, early childhood educators Sherri Pearson-Jones and Ebony Bell are helping Head Start students build the academic, social and emotional foundations they need to thrive. Their story shows how dedicated teachers, strong school communities and volunteer efforts like United Way’s Women United Refresh a Classroom presented by Burns & McDonnell event can make a lasting difference for children and families.
Nearly 20,000 children in Kansas and Missouri are served by Head Start centers, giving them critical learning, health and family support to increase kindergarten readiness.
“My journey has been wonderful,” said Sherri. “It’s always a joy to come to the classroom, especially when you see those little bitty faces and the smiles on their faces–it makes my day.”
Ebony was a Head Start parent more than 20 years ago, at the same time she began teaching in the program.
“I tell people all the time, you’ve got to have a passion in what you do,” she shared. “Because coming into this field, it’s not really about the income, it’s about the outcome.”
The pair are co-teachers at Richardson Early Learning Center, a Head Start facility in the Kansas City, Mo., Public School District. Women United, a giving group of United Way of Greater Kansas City, hosts an annual volunteer day called Refresh a Classroom, presented this year by Burns & McDonnell, to support Richardson, Woodland Early Learning Center (KCPS) and Shawnee Mission Early Childhood Education Center.
“We set the foundation for the little minds. Big hearts inspire little minds. So that’s what we do,” Ebony said.
“Parents are really grateful for what you do for their children,” Sherri added.
Beyond helping students understand fundamentals academically, Sherri and Ebony say the social-emotional learning they support students with is a cornerstone of their work.
“When they can tell us how they feel, you can see the impact. It supports their ability to problem-solve,” said Ebony.
New Funding and Program Challenges
This year, Head Start programs are navigating renewed federal attention, including proposed rule changes that could affect how programs operate, how local providers make decisions and how services are delivered to children and families.
“We always have this uncertainty,” said Ebony. “How are we supposed to teach if we got that in our back of our mind if we’re going to get cut any day?”
And like many teachers, they’re already spending hundreds of dollars each year out of their own pockets, to meet the needs of students and families.
“We want to make sure they have a safe space and knowing that they can come to school and feel safe,” Ebony said.
The Impact Volunteers Make
That’s why community efforts like Refresh a Classroom are so valuable. Volunteer support, donated classroom supplies and refreshed teacher spaces help educators start the school year with the tools and encouragement they need.
“It’s exciting to know the ladies come out and do whatever you need,” said Sherri. “I wish we could have them every day! Knowing other people care and coming together to help us out is a big blessing.”
“We’re very appreciative in the care and love they share, and the opportunity to show what we do in the community,” said Ebony.
No matter what challenges may be ahead, Sherri and Ebony find daily inspiration in the children they teach and the families they serve.
“The children give us so much hope in how they light up when they learn something new,” Sherri said. “We know we did our part to be able to make a difference in their lives and their families’ lives.”
Learn more about joining the efforts of Women United to support early learning in the Kansas City region here.